Treaty of Gwerneigron facts for kids

The Treaty of Gwerneigron was an important peace agreement. It was signed on August 29, 1241. The people who signed it were King Henry III of England and Dafydd ap Llywelyn, the prince of Wales. This treaty stopped King Henry's invasion of Wales, which had started earlier that month.

What Was the Treaty of Gwerneigron?

The Treaty of Gwerneigron was a peace deal. It helped to end a conflict between England and Wales. King Henry III wanted to control more land in Wales. Prince Dafydd ap Llywelyn was the ruler of Wales at the time.

Key Agreements in the Treaty

This treaty, and another one called the Treaty of London, made some big changes. Prince Dafydd agreed to give up large parts of land. These lands are now part of Flintshire in Wales. This meant England gained more control.

What Happened to Gruffudd?

The treaty also had a special rule about Dafydd's half-brother, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn Fawr. Dafydd had to hand Gruffudd over to King Henry. King Henry then sent Gruffudd to prison. He was held in the famous Tower of London.

King Henry had a reason for this. Gruffudd was a rival to Dafydd. He also wanted to be the prince of Wales. By holding Gruffudd, King Henry could threaten Dafydd. If Dafydd didn't obey, Henry could release Gruffudd. This would cause problems for Dafydd in Wales.

Loyalty and Land Promises

Prince Dafydd also promised to be loyal to the kings of England. This promise included his future heirs too. If Dafydd broke his promise, he would lose all his remaining lands. These lands would then go to the English king.

The treaty also said that if Dafydd died without children, King Henry would become his heir. This meant King Henry would get all of Dafydd's lands. These rules gave King Henry a lot of power over Wales.

How Did the Treaty Change Things?

The Treaty of Gwerneigron stopped Dafydd from claiming certain lands. These were lands his father, Llywelyn the Great, had controlled. Dafydd couldn't try to get them back. This situation lasted for a few years.

The End of the Treaty's Power

Gruffudd ap Llywelyn Fawr died on March 1, 1244. He was trying to escape from the Tower of London. After Gruffudd's death, the treaty's power changed. Prince Dafydd then invaded Flintshire. He was able to get back the land he had lost.